Scientific Name
Monstera deliciosa
Common Name
Split-leaf philodendron

TOXIC ONLY IF LARGE QUANTITIES EATEN. CAUSES SEVERE PAIN IN THE MOUTH IF EATEN! SKIN IRRITATION MINOR, OR LASTING ONLY FOR A FEW MINUTES.

Characteristics

Family
Araceae
Plant Description
Woody vine; leaves alternate, simple, large, leathery, conspicuously lobed and with elongated holes throughout the blade; flowers small on a spadix and surrounded by a greenish or whitish spathe; fruit fleshy and pineapple-like.
Origin
Tropical Americas.
Where Found
Houseplant or interiorscape.
Mode
Ingestion, dermatitis.
Poisonous Part
All parts.
Symptoms
Intense burning of mouth, tongue, and throat; nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea may also occur. Contact with cell sap may cause skin irritation.
Edibility
EDIBLE PARTS: Ripe fruit, but some people are allergic.
Toxic Principle
Needle-like calcium oxalate crystals; possibly other unidentified toxins.
Severity
TOXIC ONLY IF LARGE QUANTITIES EATEN. CAUSES SEVERE PAIN IN THE MOUTH IF EATEN! SKIN IRRITATION MINOR, OR LASTING ONLY FOR A FEW MINUTES.

"Poisonous Plants of North Carolina," Dr. Alice B. Russell, Department of Horticultural Science; Dr. James W. Hardin, Botany; Dr. Larry Grand, Plant Pathology; and Dr. Angela Fraser, Family and Consumer Sciences; North Carolina State University. All Pictures Copyright @1997Alice B. Russell, James W. Hardin, Larry Grand. Computer programming, Miguel A. Buendia; graphics, Brad Capel.

Disclaimer: The list of poisonous plants on this web site does not necessarily include every poisonous plant that is known, or that might be found in an urban landscape or home. North Carolina State University does not advise eating any of the plants included in this web site. The information concerning edibility is taken from the literature, and the degree of reliability is unknown. We discourage the use of any of these plants for self medication. In cases of accidental exposure or ingestion, contact the Poison Control Center 1-800-222-1222.

Previous Species, Home, Next Species